AP - In his first interview since being acquitted of child pornography charges, R. Kelly dismissed allegations that he ever preyed on young girls, telling BET News: "I don't like anyone illegal."

AP - Norman Whitfield, songwriter and producer who co-wrote a string of Motown classics including "War," "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," has died. He was 67.

AP - Hank Williams Jr. will be honored as an icon at this year's BMI awards.

Reuters - Hard rock band Metallica, hoping for a rebound in its fortunes after a difficult decade, has topped pop charts around the world with its first album in five years, its Warner Bros. Records label said on Wednesday.

Reuters - The mother of pop star Britney Spears on Wednesday heaped the blame for her daughters' erratic behavior throughout 2007 and early this year on herself in a television interview saying "it's always my fault."

E! Online - This is Pete Wentz copying the Jonas Brothers who copied the Beastie Boys with a fake mustache, bad wig and big, vintage glasses, because it really never gets old. At least he isn't a cop—just a doughnut delivery boy.

AP - Actor Jack Nicholson, rocker Jon Bon Jovi and NBA star Shaquille O'Neal are among 30 nominees to the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

AP - Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is throwing a yearlong bash to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

AP - Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has shared the world stage with Britain's queen, the pope and the Dalai Lama.

AP - After 15 years without a new album in the U.S., Tom Jones will release a disc of almost entirely original material this fall.

AP - Ne-Yo knows that people appreciate his music.

AP - The mother of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears says Jamie Lynn told her she was pregnant in a note.

Reuters - R&B star R. Kelly has broken his silence about his recent acquittal on child pornography charges, saying he was betrayed by close associates but hopes to move on with his life.

AP - Barack Obama partied with Hollywood celebrities Tuesday night and with the help of Oscar-winning singer and actress Barbra Streisand raised an eye-popping $9 million for his presidential campaign and the Democratic Party.